5 surprising places to visit in Europe

Forget Paris, Rome and Venice, these hidden gems are the less-well-known jewels in Europe's crown...

1. Zurich, Switzerland

Zurich, Switzerland

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You may best know Zurich as the financial hub of Switzerland, but there's much more to this lively, modern city than meets the eye.

The artsy vibe of the city filters down from the numerous art galleries and museums to hip cafés - try Cafe Odeon for its art-nouveau interiors - and unique shops - the Freitag outlet in Hardbrücke is a must-see, if not for its original accessories made out of recyclable materials, for the view from the roof of the building.

And don't think Zurich is just about trading and art - this place also knows a thing or two about nightlife. In Zurich West, trendy bars and cafés just keep popping up - you'll find us at Dante in Langastrasse sampling one of the many MANY gins and gin cocktails.

2. Innsbruck, Austria

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Whatever time of year you visit Innsbruck, the capital of Austria's Tyrol region, you will never fail to find something to do. In the winter, it's a gateway to a world of glistening ski slopes and has not one, but four Christmas markets for your amusement.

If a summer trip is what you're looking for, head up the funicular to those same mountainous trails, now transformed into a hiker's paradise.

Take a break from the active life for a day and you won't be disappointed with what the city has to offer, either. Explore the historically-steeped Old Town, marvelling at the beautiful, late-medieval architecture before dropping into the gothic Imperial Palace.

And thanks to the 30,000 students inhabiting the city, there is a surprisingly large and lively bar scene to finish off your days properly, too.

3. Ljubljana, Slovenia

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Think you've seen the prettiest city in Europe? You might want to think again.

Thanks to its winding car-free streets, beautiful bridges, pretty plazas, and spectacular architecture - simply strolling through the city centre of Ljubljana is enough to take your breath away.

Settle down in one of the many cafes along the river bank for a day of people-watching or take the funicular up into the mountain-side to visit the Ljubljana castle, the perfect spot to view the city from.

Ljubljana is also home to some of Slovenia's best restaurants serving a range of cuisines from traditional, local fare to Italian and Asian food.

4. Porto, Portugal

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While a trip to Portugal might usually consist of one week on the beach by the coast, Porto offers a much more interesting and varied holiday.

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The city is the country's second-largest and the food capital, so if eating - and drinking - is your jam, you need look no further that Porto.

Start your day at the Mercado do Bolhão a market bursting with the best fresh vegetables, fruit, cheese, bread and smoked meat produce the city has to offer. Stop to sample pastries, wine and fresh fish as you wind through the stalls.

A visit to Porto wouldn't be complete without a trip to one of the many Port houses at Vila Nova da Gaia, where you can sample the tipple that gave this city its name.

And once you've had your fill? There's a beach to lie down on, after all.

5. Rhodes Town, Greece

It is easy to get lost in the Old Town here, marvelling at the many different layers of architectural history, from its medieval castles to its Roman ruins.

And in complete contrast to Rhodes' historically steeped Old Town sits the contemporary boutiques, bistros and waterfront bars of the New Town.

Oh and if eating, drinking, culture and architecture aren't your thing - the city also boasts a beautiful beach where you can lounge, or hire a boat to take you further around the Greek coast.